Hong Kong has launched its first Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (2026-2030), coupled with the 2026 Policy Address, outlining a strategic roadmap to secure the long-term growth of its pillar industries. Announced by Chief Executive John Lee on September 16, the plan focuses on strengthening Hong Kong's four traditional centres—finance, trade, maritime, and aviation—while developing a hub for high-calibre talent and consolidating its competitive edge as an international city.
At the heart of the plan is the enhancement of Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre. "We will consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre, and stay committed to our global positioning," Lee said. "Hong Kong will deepen the development of its global offshore Renminbi business and capital market, develop an international asset and wealth management centre and international risk management centre, enhance the securities market and expand fixed income and commodity trading." The city has already become the world's largest cross-boundary wealth management centre this year, and the government aims to build a more attractive asset and wealth management ecosystem.
A key initiative is the development of a commodity trading ecosystem, starting with gold. The central clearing and settlement system for gold will be launched in the first quarter of 2027, covering clearing, storage, supply, and infrastructure. Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, emphasised the plan's broader vision: "The significance of the First Five-Year Plan for Hong Kong lies in a mindset shift; we must plan Hong Kong's financial development with a longer-term vision and broader perspective to adapt with flexibility and diversity. Each of our initiatives centres around one objective, which is to elevate Hong Kong from a 'corridor of capital' to a 'destination of choice'."
Hong Kong's trade sector also receives a boost. Ranked the world's fifth-largest merchandise trading entity in 2025, the city will consolidate its international trade centre status and support the high-level opening up of the Chinese Mainland. The Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, established last October, has already assisted over 340 Mainland enterprises with listing, capital raising, compliance, and certifications. Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, said, "In alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan's call to advocate and practise true multilateralism, the First Five-Year Plan proposes to continue expanding international economic and trade network." Hong Kong will forge new free trade and investment agreements and expand its overseas offices.
As an international maritime centre, Hong Kong has ranked fourth globally in maritime comprehensive strength for seven consecutive years. The plan aims to transform the Hong Kong Port from "volume to value" by developing high value-added maritime services. This includes promoting "Finance + Shipping" and building an integrated ecosystem where Hong Kong-invested enterprises adopt Hong Kong law, take out Hong Kong insurance, and choose Hong Kong arbitration. In aviation, Hong Kong's airport was the world's busiest cargo airport for the 15th year since 2010, handling 5.07 million tonnes of cargo, with passenger throughput up 15% year-on-year to 61 million. The government will expand the aviation network by pursuing new air services agreements, particularly in South America, Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Caucasus.
Innovation and technology are also prioritised. The government will promote artificial intelligence (AI) applications across trades, balancing innovation and security. Focus areas include life and health, AI and robotics, microelectronics, new energy, advanced manufacturing, and new materials. Hong Kong aims to raise its Total Domestic Expenditure on Innovation Activities to 3% of GDP after 2030.
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